Friday, May 6, 2011

Siena V Torino Preview

It would be a fitting tribute to the memory of Il Grande Torino if the current Toro team could be victorious, just three days after the 62nd anniversary of the Superga disaster, however, they could not ask for a more difficult game as they face league leaders Siena away.

Siena look to be certainties for a return to Serie A at the first attempt, something Torino were unable to do last season, as the Tuscan side only need one more point to be guaranteed a place at Italian football's top table next season. Whilst in normal circumstances, Torino would probably take a point against one of the division's elite teams, as the race for a place in the end of the season playoffs becomes more competitive, it looks as though they will require all three points in order to keep their place in the top six.

In fact, by the time Torino take to the field on Saturday, they could find themselves out of the playoff positions, as two of their rivals, Pescara and Livorno take part in the Friday evening game later today. A victory for Pescara would put them two points clear of Toro, whereas a victory for Livorno would put them level on points with the Turin side.

Torino have included Angelo Ogbonna and Giuseppe De Feudis in the squad for tomorrow's game as both players have now returned from suspension and are likely to reclaim their places in the starting line up.